The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines health informatics as “the interdisciplinary study of the design, development, adoption, and application of IT-based innovations in healthcare services delivery, management, and planning.” Because the changing landscape of modern healthcare is largely fueled by advancements in technology and electronic documentation, knowledge of health informatics is more crucial now than ever.
According to Health IT, when healthcare providers have access to electronic health records (EHRs), patients receive better care, medical errors can be reduced or prevented and patient outcomes improve. Building this foundational knowledge is a key component of the Northern Kentucky University (NKU) online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program, which prepares nurses to effectively use data and technology in modern care delivery.
Better Patient Outcomes
Advancements in documentation have led to a world in which hospitals, doctors and nurses can gather and share information about their patients with relative ease. Recent data from HealthIT show that about 70% of hospitals are engaged in interoperable electronic health information exchange, supporting stronger care coordination between physicians, nurses, caregivers and patients and improving access to timely clinical information at the point of care.
Similarly, coordination among healthcare providers, insurance companies, and pharmacies have become more efficient with these advancements in record-keeping. Improved interoperability also supports more informed decision-making and contributes to safer, higher-quality care delivery across the healthcare system.
Cost Savings in Healthcare
Better patient outcomes mean fewer wasted resources correcting mistakes, as preventable medical errors contribute significantly to healthcare costs and patient harm. Patients are also more likely to remain healthy after being successfully treated when errors are reduced and care quality improves.
Not only is this beneficial for patient health, but it also supports healthcare providers in reducing overall costs. Providers can save time and resources for patients and insurers by avoiding duplicate services and decreasing the time required for administrative and clinical staff to complete record-keeping tasks.
Salaries for Nursing Informatics Careers
Earning a master’s degree in health informatics, or any other master’s in a nursing specialization, can open many doors and lead to significant salary increases. In the workforce survey by the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), 62% of respondents reported working for a hospital or multifacility health system, with more than half working at a Magnet-designated hospital, possibly indicating the increased value informatics provides to hospital achievements.
ZipRecruiter reports the national average salary for an informatics nurse in 2026 is $98,409 in the United States. Gaining a good introductory working knowledge of health informatics in an RN to BSN program is a great place to start.
No matter what nursing path you pursue, health informatics plays a central role in modern healthcare. As technology and data-driven care continue to evolve, every nurse benefits from a foundational understanding of these tools. The Northern Kentucky University online RN to BSN program prepares nurses to effectively use health informatics to support better patient care and outcomes.
Learn more about the Northern Kentucky University online RN to BSN program.
